The UAE-based Emirates airline on Monday launched the world's shortest A380 flight between Dubai and Muscat. "The average flight time (40 minutes) between Dubai and Muscat is only five minutes more than the time taken to clean an @Airbus A380 by a team of 42 people," the airline said in a series of tweets on Monday.

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Monday announced signing of an initial pact for code share partnership with Gulf carrier Emirates. The reciprocal partnership will allow opening of new routes and destinations for passengers of the two airlines, SpiceJet said in a statement. SpiceJet passengers from 51-domestic destinations will be able to access Emirates' network across the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, it added.

Dubai-based mega carrier Emirates is withdrawing Hindu meal a popular option given by several international airlines for travellers to pre-book meals based on their religious beliefs from its flights. Emirates says: "Emirates will discontinue the Hindu meal option. We constantly review our offering, taking into consideration customer uptake and feedback." Among 'religious meals', Emirates website lists Indian veg meal, Vegetarian Jain meal, Kosher meal.